According to both shipowner and yard, as a direct result of the delayed delivery of Roald Amundsen, Kleven will not be able to hand over Fridtjof Nansen on schedule.

The owner is unable to confirm a revised delivery date for the second ship but said Midnatsol will replace Fridtjof Nansen on voyages scheduled in Antarctica for the 2019/20 season.

Full refund for affected passengers

In a statement to affected customers Hurtigruten's ceo Daniel Skjeldam wrote: 'While we are eager to welcome you on board this truly unique vessel as soon as possible, this delay means that we unfortunately must cancel the voyage that you had booked with us.

'Please accept my sincerest apologies, and rest assured that we will do everything within our power to make your Hurtigruten adventure happen,' he added.

All guests affected will receive a full refund, including flight cancellation costs. In addition, they are offered discounts on alternative Hurtigruten voyages.

Hurtigruten and its owners, Petter A. Stordalen and TDR, are the largest partner in Kleven with a 40% share.